Severe Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation Questions: Should I wear Ankle Brace during exercise/rehab?

Question:

Hi everyone. Well, school's starting in a few days, August 8, to be precise, and I sustained an ankle sprain July 10. Right now, I can walk with and without the brace, but no running. First on 7/17, I went on to the doctor after 7 days of the RICE technique, and got a brace so I could rest and go on crutches. I took the painkiller Ibuprofen. Subsequently, on July 24, after seeing my doctor yet again, he showed me that I could walk, and needed to commence walking around the house to build strength. No more medicine. It's been a while, and I have done exercises, like the one where you extend your toe and then bring it back or make it point toward the ceiling, and the one where you stand on one foot for 30 seconds. I did the towel one for a while, but right now, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to have my ankle brace on while I do the exercises. I usually wear a big sneaker to fit my ankle brace inside, and do the exercises. Also, I have a note that says that I can't run until September.

Answers:
Since you already have a note that says you can't run until september then definitely don't run until then. As for other exercise I would ask the doctor to be certain what is safe in your situation.

Mainly I would warn you against trying to do too much too quickly, I had a severe sprain in the year 2000 - was on crutches and a brace. Several times I felt I would be able to bear some weight without my brace and ended up reinjuring my ankle. In my case I didn't feel I was pushing myself too much, each attempt was after over a month of wearing the brace so I felt that was more than enough time, but I was wrong..

Because of my impatience and continued attempts to walk too soon I now have quite a bit of scar tissue in my ankle, it is easy to feel when you touch my ankle and the ankle puffs out in appearance from the excess tissue.. It is 7 years later and I still am not able to run on my ankle and don't know if I ever will be.. The tissue is compromised because of the scar tissue and it retears very easily, when I try to jog or run my ankle gives out and buckles to the side retearing the tissue. I have been in physical therapy for years and while I have made progress still cannot do what I used to be able to do without reinjury.

I tell you my story because I want you to know just how serious a sprain can become and how it can affect you well into your future if it is not handled properly, my hope is that you never have to face the difficulties I have and can learn from my mistakes lol - hope it's lots better soon hun :)

Please don't take health advice from us! You are going to get 50 opinions, 48 of them from 12-year-olds who think "WAT" is a real word. This is a question for your doctor. One quick call to the office nurse will answer the question.

I think you should ask your doc that
Much luck
Peach Out

The ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory and pain medication.Just follow the doctors instructions.I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

Severe Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation Questions: Should I wear Ankle Brace during exercise/rehab?

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